A completely owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Japan, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India became the second largest two wheeler manufacturer in the country last year when the overtook Bajaj Auto. Since then, they have only improved their sales. Thereby increasing gap between them and third placed Bajaj, and getting close to Hero MotoCorp, which is the largest two wheeler manufacturer in the world.
Last fiscal, was the most successful in HMSI’s history, selling over 37 lakh two wheelers in India. As far as future is concerned, Honda aims to topple Hero MotoCorp soon. They have laid out aggressive plans for the future.
This was HMSI’s 13th annual business meet, but the first to be held in Japan. At the meet HMSI revealed that they aim to sell 45 lakh two wheelers this fiscal, thereby registering 21% increase. Apart from this, HMSI will also improve their dealership network to 3,800 outlets by March 2015. This expansion of network will see Honda add their fastest ever 1000 outlets.
They will also launch two new motorcycles later this year, one will be a new addition to the Dream series, while second will be a 160 cc sporty motorcycle for the younger generation. Apart from this, they will also continue to increase their production capacities. Currently they have three plants operational, one each in Manesar, Tapukara, and Naraspura. The fourth plant is under construction near Ahmedabad, and it will start production by 2016.
Reaffirming Honda’s commitment for India, Mr. Takanobu Ito – President, CEO & Representative Director, Honda Motor Company, Japan said, “I thank our business partners from India for their unwavering commitment to Honda & it gives me a sense of Pride & satisfaction on the fantastic relationship you have build with customers. You can expect enhanced level of support from Honda Motor Company, Japan at all levels. Together, we will unleash a new Era of Honda progression & customer satisfaction in India.”
|||google_ads|||Elaborating on Honda’s targets for the fiscal, Mr. Keita Muramatsu, President CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. announced that, “Sustaining its superior growth, HMSI has set the challenging target of 45 lac unit sales in FY’2014-15. I am confident that propelled by 3 new launches including the Activa 125 and aggressive network expansion, Honda will meet expectations of its valued customers in India.”
Explaining how Honda will make inroads into hinterlands, Mr. Y. S Guleria, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, HMSI said, “Reaching closer to customer is a priority. Moving full throttle with scorching pace, Honda will add 1000 new touch-points to its network. This translates to adding a phenomenal 3 outlets each day and is significant as with this expansion, Honda will double its network in just 2 years from 1950 outlets in FY’2012-13 to 3800 outlets by end of FY’2014-15.”
